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US Passport Name Change Service

Whether due to marriage, divorce, adoption or other legal reason, passports must reflect the legal and correct name of the passport holder. If the name on a passport does not match other identification or the name on airline tickets, the passport holder may experience delay or detainment upon border crossings. Therefore, it is important to update the name on passport to reflect the name change.

To change the name on a passport, the applicant must provide original name change documentation such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. These types of documents are verified by the US State Department and then a new passport is issued with the name change. When submitting a US passport application name change, note that the original passport with the previous name will be cancelled. Any valid visas, with some exceptions, may no longer be valid. This is a downside to processing a passport name change application.


US Passport Name Change

How to Change Name on Passport


Once the name change application is submitted, the US State Department updates their records to reflect the name change. If the applicant loses their new passport with the updated name they do not need to prove the legality of the name change again as the new name has already been certified by the government.
Passport Name Change Document
Once a name change application is submitted, the applicant will be known by the new name. In order to have a passport issued in the old name (or any other name), the applicant must prove the name has been legally changed again. Otherwise, any further applications requesting a different name will be rejected. So if you
re ready to update the name on your passport, please visit the Passport Name Change Requirements page for a list of name change requirements and name change instructions and applications.

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Related Passport Information Pages

Passport Application, Second Passport, Child Passport, Replace Damaged Passport, Replace Lost Passport, Get Passport in a Hurry

Sample Requirements For Passport Name Change

Below is a sample set of requirements for obtaining the Passport Name Change Service. These requirements are only a SAMPLE. To get the EXACT requirements for your passport needs, please go to our TripBuilder page and enter in your specific information that is your exact situation.

US Passport Name Change Requirements

Prerequisites for Passport Name Change

(if the below criteria are not met, please select a different passport service above)

  • Applicant has US passport is in his or her possession, AND;
  • Applicant has legally changed their name since most recent passport was issued AND;
  • Applicant's passport was issued within the past 15 years AND;
  • Applicant applicant was 16 years or older when passport was issued.

1.1  Current Passport/Card

Applicant must submit their current valid, or recently expired, passport (and/or passport card if applicable) in order to renew. The old Passport will be returned marked "Cancelled" by the US State Department.

1.2  Passport Photos - Complimentary

Applicant must submit two identical, 2"x2", color, passport-style photographs.
ItsEasy.com is proud to exclusively offer COMPLIMENTARY passport photos through our 5-star smartphone app.
Search "ItsEasy" in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Ask for details!

Passport photos may also be obtained for $15-$25 plus time spent at many post offices and stores around town.

NOTE: Photos must be printed on photo paper. Letter or glossy paper will not be accepted.

1.3  Name Change Documentation

Applicant must submit original or certified copy of the marriage certificate (not a license) or a court decree ordering a name change or an adoption. The document must show the official seal of the issuing authority. All official documents will be returned.

1.4  Proof of Travel

Applicant must submit a computer-generated itinerary from a travel agency or online booking tool (such as an e-confirmation) showing departure from the U.S.

If traveling on business and no itinerary is available, a letter on company letterhead indicating dates and purpose of travel MAY suffice. If applicant does not possess proper itinerary, please contact us for options.

For Economical "2 Week" or "4 Week" Passport Renewal/Name Change processing, "Proof of Travel" is NOT REQUIRED.

1.5  Letter of Authorization

Applicant must submit an original, signed "Letter of Authorization" which allows ItsEasy.com to submit the application to the US State Dept.

Please use the Letter of Authorization form provided by ItsEasy.com.

The letter must contain the following elements: name of applicant, name of courier company, current date, and the original signature of the applicant or parent(s) or legal guardians of children under the age of 16.

For Economical "2 Week" or "4 Week" Passport Renewal/Name Change processing, "Letter of Authorization" is NOT REQUIRED.

1.6  Name Change Application (DS-82)

Applicant must submit one completed passport application form (DS-82) by following the link below. The US State Dept website "wizard" will walk you through the application. Handwritten applications will not be accepted for expedited services. After completing passport application online, print by pressing "Create Form" button. Single-sided printing only.

DO NOT forget to sign and date the completed application in blue or black ink after printing.

Note: While completing the application, the wizard will prompt you to select fees, shipping and processing options. Select any options to complete form. No payments will be made and options selected will have no affect on the actual service delivered by ItsEasy.com. The guide is simply to assist the general public in calculating fees for traditional mail-in applications.

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